trendspotting: african styleby brett |

If I could have awarded a booth at the 2009 Interior Design Show with a big red ribbon reading “Most Inspirational”, it surely would have gone to Snob. Almost as if we were drawn there magnetically, Samantha, Lynn Spence and I converged on Snob’s uber-exotic show space at the same time, and I’m sure anyone around us thought we were nuts. (Yes, there was that much “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing”!) Snob is a Toronto retail destination that specializes in past and present African design — a HUGE trend that’s poised to peak this summer, methinks — and the booth was a vertitable trove of owner Denise Zidel’s truly stunning finds. Above, you’ll see just a few of the African artefacts on display during the show, arranged on a new shelving system that Denise has designed. Imagine that unit in a small apartment or condo being used as a barely-there room divider! Ooh! The stitched hide rug is also so beautiful — and that’s saying something, because normally I’m not the biggest fan of hide.
Here’s Snob’s iconic “Cow Chair”. I love the webbed seat!

This floor lamp was a showstopper as well.

Check out more of Snob’s trendsetting treasures by visiting online or at the Toronto retail location!
Snob, Toronto, 388 Carlaw Ave., Unit 202F, 416-778-8778
Tags: africa, africa style, african, african style, cow chair, denise zidel, hide rugs, ids, ids09, interior design show 2009, retail, shopping, snob, snob stuff, stores




I’m able to show bigger images now!!! YIPPEE!!
The cowhide rugs, pillows, etc, is a huge trend that’s for sure! I guess it works with all the brown trend as well.
Not only do I love this new trend but I love the acrylic display shelves that Snob has used. Also the floor lamp is fantastic and would look great in so many places, cottage, cabin, living room etc… Gret find Mr Sleuth
The shelving is indeed stunning… My photo doesn’t do it justice.
[...] said that, year after year I’m staggered by the beauty of Snob’s booth. Snob owner Denise Zidel’s passion [...]